In a swift response to the protest staged by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, NANS has finally met with the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Recall that the students had protested over what they described as neglect of student welfare by the state government.
In a statement released by the Deputy Director of NANS Zone D Southwest, Naheem Adegoke, following the meeting with the governor, NANS described the dialogue between NANS and the state government as a strategic step towards actualising the students’ demands.
The students’ association stated that the protest was a product of sustained agitation for better welfare and improved conditions for students across the state.
In the statement, NANS clarified misconceptions and misinformation circulated regarding the protest, including claims that the governor ordered the deployment of the Nigerian Army to the protest ground.
NANS further noted that the protest was neither sponsored nor politically motivated, adding that it was an independent and genuine demonstration of their firm commitment to the well-being of Nigerian students.
The students’ association, however, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift response in calling for dialogue.
“In my capacity as the Deputy Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D (Southwest), I led a peaceful demonstration in conjunction with the leadership of NANS JCC Ondo Axis to express our deep-seated dissatisfaction with the continued neglect of the student community, the alarming surge in insecurity, the deteriorating state of infrastructure on campuses, and the series of unfulfilled promises by the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
“Having exhausted the first two fundamental principles of our struggle—Consultation and Consolidation—without any tangible results, we were left with no choice but to activate the third C: Confrontation. This was not borne out of malice but rather a necessity to ensure that the voices of Nigerian students are not only heard but acted upon.
“Our protest on Thursday, 27 March 2025, in Akure, the state capital, was a product of sustained agitation for better welfare and improved conditions for students across the state. Therefore, it is imperative at this juncture to clarify certain misconceptions, misinformation, and deliberate falsehoods being circulated regarding the protest.
“First and foremost, we wish to debunk the erroneous claim that His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, ordered the deployment of the Nigerian Army to disperse the protesting students. This assertion is not only misleading but also a gross misrepresentation of facts. The presence of military personnel at the protest was unsolicited and unwarranted, as it is not within their jurisdiction to interfere in a peaceful demonstration of students exercising their constitutional right to free expression.
“In the face of provocation, the resilience and unity of Nigerian students saw to it that we repelled any form of intimidation. Let it be unequivocally stated that Mr Governor neither sanctioned the deployment of soldiers nor was he aware of their involvement in the incident. Any narrative suggesting otherwise is a distortion of reality and should be disregarded in its entirety.
“Furthermore, we must categorically state that our protest was neither sponsored nor politically motivated. It was an independent and genuine demonstration of our firm commitment to the well-being of Nigerian students—a duty we have solemnly sworn to uphold. The insinuations that external influences orchestrated our protest are baseless and should be dismissed outrightly.
“Following the protest, we were invited for a dialogue with the Governor—a move that aligns with our fundamental belief that every struggle must ultimately be channelled towards constructive engagement and resolution. The meeting with His Excellency was neither a betrayal of our cause nor an avenue for compromise; rather, it was a strategic step towards actualising our demands.
“Consequently, we acknowledge and commend Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his swift response in calling for dialogue. Governance thrives on responsiveness, and his willingness to engage with student representatives is commendable. During our meeting, he emphatically assured us that, in the shortest possible time, our demands will be met.
“We remain vigilant and resolute in ensuring that these assurances translate into tangible actions that will improve the welfare and academic environment of Nigerian students in Ondo State.
“To this end, we urge the general public to disregard any unfounded speculations seeking to misrepresent our actions. Our commitment remains firm, and we shall continue to hold those in authority accountable.
“We appreciate the resilience and solidarity of Nigerian students and reassure them that our struggle is far from over. We shall persist in ensuring that every commitment made to us is fulfilled, and we shall not relent in advocating for the rights and welfare of the student community.”
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